Low-cost airlines have changed the way people travel.
By cutting down on extra services, they offer cheaper fares, making air travel more accessible.
Many passengers accept the trade-off — smaller seats, fewer perks, and strict baggage rules — in exchange for lower prices. But budget airlines also come with unique policies, some of which spark debate.
Spirit Airlines, a well-known low-cost carrier operating in North and South America and the Caribbean, has updated its contract of carriage with new restrictions on passenger appearance.
Cover Tattoos Before Boarding
The policy, which took effect on January 22, allows the airline to deny boarding or remove passengers if their clothing, accessories, or body art are considered inappropriate, according to Digi24.
The airline defines inappropriate dress as sheer clothing, exposed intimate areas, or outfits labeled as lascivious, obscene, or offensive.
Passengers with tattoos deemed unsuitable may also need to cover them before boarding. The policy further states that anyone not wearing shoes will be refused entry onto the plane.
Airlines have long faced disputes over dress codes. In recent years, viral incidents have brought attention to cases where passengers were removed based on their clothing.
In October, a woman named Tara Kehidi reported that she and a friend were asked to leave a Spirit flight for wearing crop tops.
Other airlines have had similar situations.
In 2019, American Airlines publicly apologized to Latisha "Tisha" Rowe, a doctor who said she was asked to cover up her strapless blouse before being allowed to board.
Spirit Airlines has not detailed exactly how staff will determine what is considered offensive or too revealing.
The policy gives airline employees broad authority to make decisions, which may lead to inconsistent enforcement.
For passengers, this means being aware of their attire before heading to the airport.
Those with tattoos that could be seen as inappropriate might need to cover them, and anyone wearing revealing clothing could be asked to change or risk being denied boarding.
